This abstract for the work on this blog was submitted to ISDC 2026. But not accepted.
Multi-Stage Velocity Partitioning for Centrifugal Gravity Modules within a Microgravity Air Environment
"This work presents an alternative architecture for space habitats using embedded centrifugal gravity modules. Rotating cylinders are placed within a larger microgravity air environment, and windage is mitigated by concentric sleeves (flow dividers) rotating at staggered speeds. Increasing the number of flow dividers reduces motor power requirements to manageable levels, but stability problems must be addressed.
Numerical simulations and physical experiments are used to identify key engineering constraints. A staged experimental pathway is outlined, with benchtop experiments currently underway, progressing to larger air-based tests, then in-orbit validation as a precursor to full-scale deployment. Although the approach is unconventional and requires further validation, its core problems appear tractable. These designs can offer advantages in shared life-support systems, and at larger scales, such architectures enable highly connected three-dimensional habitable volumes."
This reflects my more recent focus here (pivot to cislunar), of rotating tubes within a simple pressure vessel... although a very large one. My idea of submitting this was sort of to transition into publishing a paper, along with some obviously-needed co-authors. But in absence of such an in-person forum, I am still looking for that same thing.
